AIR HANDLING UNITS
Getting a handle on things – understanding modern AHUs
Growing awareness about the health impacts of indoor air quality, combined with commercial buildings becoming increasingly energy-effi cient and airtight, means air-handling units (AHUs) have become the crucial connection between occupant health, comfort, and emissions reduction. Tim Mitchell, Sales Director for Klima-Therm, looks at the latest innovations.
C Tim Mitchell
"Look for options
tailored for effi ciency and space- saving. Zero contamination is crucial for critical
environments."
ommercial buildings can be polluted places, with contaminants invading from both inside and out. In UK workplaces, a study by the CBI estimates that a total of 3,000,000 sick days a year are taken as a result of unclean air, with particulate matter, microbial and viral particles, humidity- related mould and gaseous contaminants released by volatile organic compounds (VOCs, odours and outdoor pollution), all contributing to a potential melting pot of poor air. Couple this with the rise in airtight, highly effi cient buildings, and it’s clear that mechanical ventilation is a must-have.
AHUs – the lungs of the building The growing demand for energy-effi cient, hygienic indoor spaces means AHUs have become more important than ever. Acting as the ‘lungs’ of a building, AHUs actively exchange air, fi lter contaminants, control humidity, and ensure thermal comfort. Their signifi cance in the modern building services jigsaw should not be underestimated. Key requirements of AHUs in commercial settings include:
■ Advanced fi ltration: fi ne fi lters, HEPA/ULPA options, and odour-absorbing media.
■ Condensation control: via humidity management and dehu- midifi cation modules.
■ High energy effi ciency: through heat recovery and airtight, thermally optimised construction.
■ Odour and pollutant control: using activated carbon or bioc- ide fi lters and tight sealing.
There is no ‘one size fi ts all’ AHU, however, and its required function will vary depending on the application. Choosing the right solution is therefore crucial.
What to look out for when choosing an AHU Energy-effi cient construction: The latest advancements in AHUs have unrivalled levels of fi ltration combined with high effi ciency
22 October 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
to ensure eff ectiveness and effi ciency. Choose units that are constructed with minimal thermal transmittance (T2) and bridging (class TB1), with strong mechanical resistance. These attributes ensure that AHUs maintain internal performance without energy losses to the environment, particularly vital on rooftops or exposed plantrooms.
Galvanised steel panels sandwiched with insulation are a
great option, and with the right frame and gasket options, can deliver very high levels of air tightness, reducing energy penalties from leakage. Moving from class L2 to L1, for example, can save around 1% annually, which in a large building soon adds up. Where AHUs are used as part of applications with high levels of air tightness, or even Passive credentials, choosing best- in-class solutions is even more important. Look for products that meet stringent global standards such as Eurovent. Units that guarantee total air sealing are MB5OP certifi ed under EN1886, achieved by features such as zero bypass fi lter frames, which off er 100% air fi ltration and advanced anti-condensation structures that prevent thermal bridges. Reducing the risk of condensation also prevents microbial growth and structural damage.
Humidity control is particularly important in many manufacturing processes, for example, pharmaceutical, food and battery manufacturing. In order to meet some very low
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